© Copyright 2002 Stan Williams
Dr. Stan Williams is Executive Producer and Managing Director for SWC Films, an independent feature film development company seeking investment partners. His website is www.StanWilliams.com and he can be reached at [email protected].
Shocked and Delighted
But, when we walked into the Henrietta Mears auditorium at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood I was both shocked and delighted. Suddenly we found ourselves among a crowd of nearly 600 astute professionals sitting down to dinner and a presentation by a well-known producer. I went on to discover that there are thousands of Christians in the industry, many of whom see themselves as missionaries. Even more surprising were the other para-church organizations which have ministries to select segments of the industry. As Victorya Michaels Rogers describes them: “Their missions vary, but their common thread is to offer spiritual guidance and emotional support in an industry filled with rejection, dissolution, competition and temptation.”
Here is a list of those organizations. It's important for three reasons. First, if you or someone you know wants to get involved in the industry, these organizations are a good place to start for advice and support. Second, if you are led to pray for Christians in Hollywood these are the people to pray for. Each organization plays an important role in helping change the world by changing Hollywood. Third, as you're able, send a donation. These are true missionary endeavors that rely on contributions for their sustained and valuable ministry.
More Organizations
Inter-Mission in New York City – Ph: 917-584-7115 Contact Stan Blair: [email protected].
Inter-Mission in the Twin Cities – Ph: 763-476-7665. Contact Alan Johnson: [email protected].
Los Angeles Film Studies Center is an intense semester long Hollywood study program for students from a Council for Christian Colleges campus. 3800 Barham Blvd., Suite 202, Los Angeles, CA 90068. Ph: 323-882-6224. Contact Doug Briggs [email protected] – Website: www.bestsemester.com.
Mastermedia International is a ministry to entertainment executives through counseling and small group support meetings. 330 North Sixth Street, Suite 110, Redlands, CA 92374. Ph: 909-335-7353. Contact Dr. Larry Poland [email protected] – Website: www.mastermediaintl.com.
Media Fellowship Int’l is a bi-monthly Bible study that meets at CBS Studio City at 4024 Radford in Studio City. Contact Phillip Boland: Ph: 626-486-3333 – [email protected].
Open Call (Catholic) meets at St. Paul the Apostle Church at 10750 Ohio Ave. LA — 6 times a year. Division of Paulist Productions, 17575 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. Ph: 310-454-0688 Office. Contact Fr. Frank Desidario [email protected] – Website: www.paulistproductions.org.
Premise runs a monthly prayer group for writers, producers, directors, entertainment lawyers and literary agents and occasional professional seminars, retreats and parties. Email: [email protected] – Website: www.Premiseonline.org.
SLATE Entertainment Fellowship is an organization committed to fellowship, networking, education and advancement for Christians in Hollywood. Bel Air Presbyterian Church, 16221 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049. Ph: 818-557-8507. Contact John Ware [email protected] – Website: www.slate1.tv.
StoreyDreams Foundation – Tim Storey, sometimes referred to as pastor to the stars, runs an invitation-only monthly Bible study for entertainment professionals. P.O. Box 1428, Whittier, CA 90609. Ph: 562) 902-1590. Contact: Elisabeth Celaya [email protected] – Website: timstorey.org.
The Underground is a monthly coffeehouse featuring an eclectic blend of handpicked live music and gallery artists. Styles range from folk/pop to alternative/rock, jazz and blues. 1760 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, CA 90028. Ph: 323-526-2916 24-hour Info Line. Contact David or Beth Grecu [email protected] – Website: www.theundergrounds.org.
Thrilling Life was founded by Victorya Michaels Rogers, a former Hollywood agent, provides seminars, speakers, books, media and newsletters for Christians who want to get involved in the industry. My thanks to her Spring 2002 Newsletter for assistance in updating the above list. Website: www.thrillinglife.com.
True Missionary Endeavors
Act One: Writing for Hollywood runs a month-long workshop designed to train future generations of Christian film and TV screenwriters. 1760 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, CA 90028. Ph: 888-526-9287. Contact: Barbara Nicolosi, Marianne Savell, Kelly Pinkham: [email protected] – Website: www.actoneprogram.com.
Actors Co-Op is an award-winning, professional theatre company with two Equity-approved theatres on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood. 1760 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, CA 90028. Ph: 888-526-9287. Contact Gary Reed: [email protected], Nan McNamara: [email protected] – Website: www.actorscoop.org.
Associates in Media provides spiritual development, resources/ministry for industry professionals through small-group Bible studies, spiritual warfare counseling, and outreach events. 2113 N. Evergreen Street, Burbank, CA 91505. Ph: 818-558-4025. Contact Mike Chapman – [email protected] or Michelle Suh – [email protected].
Catholics in Media conducts annual film awards for projects that uphold Christian values. 12400 Ventura Blvd., PMB228, Studio City, CA 91604. Ph: 818.907.2734. Contact Ann Furia: [email protected].
Christian Entertainers Fellowship runs monthly bible study meeting for actors, musicians/singers and athletes. P.O. Box 8234, Northridge, CA 91327. Ph: 818-363-7945. Contact Ollie Brown: [email protected].
Christians and Media organizes conferences across the country helping Christians become equipped for a career in entertainment.13800 Biola Ave., La Mirada, CA 90639-0001. Ph: 866-334-2266. Contact Josh White: [email protected] – Website: www.christiansandmedia.org.
Christian Film & Television Commission is an advocacy group dedicated to imbuing entertainment media with Christian values by working with media executives and informing Christians and the public with publications and media on how to be “media-wise.” Their monthly movie review magazine is MOVIEGUIDE. 2510-G Las Posas Rd., Camarillo, CA 93010. Order line: 800-899-6684. Bus. Ph: 805-383-2000. Contact Ted Baehr: [email protected] – Website: www.movieguide.org.
GPDC&U – God’s Party with Dyan Cannon & You is a weekly Saturday night party featuring live bands, dancing, and teaching. Office: 8306 Wilshire Blvd. #1681, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. Ph: 310-470-6404. Party Location: GMT Studios, 5751 Buckingham Parkway, Culver City, Ca 90230. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Live Music kicks off at 7:30 pm. Contact Marilee: [email protected] – Website: gpdcandu.com.
Hollywood Prayer Network is a nationwide appeal to pray for all aspects of the entertainment industry. Monthly prayer requests, praises, updates and news are made via email. 1760 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, CA 90028. Ph: 323-462-8460 x304. Contact Karen Covell or Scott Erdman: [email protected] – Website: hollywoodprayernetwork.org.
Inter-Mission in Hollywood hosts 4 to 6 major events each year featuring industry professionals, Third Thursday (a monthly industry cafe), a variety of professional seminars, spiritual retreats, a national day of prayer focused on the industry and a classified service for jobs/housing. 1760 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, CA 90028. Ph: 888-526-9287. Contact David Schall or Brenda Salmon: [email protected] – Website: www.inter-mission.net.
